Description
This Summer Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for warm weather. It combines tender grilled chicken, fresh berries, crisp greens, and a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing for a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal as a light lunch or a healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken breast.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breast on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl or serving platter, spread the baby spinach leaves and mixed salad greens as the bed for your salad.
- Add main ingredients: Layer the shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly over the greens.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the berries.
- Add toppings: If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the top for added crunch and creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken with store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Almonds and feta cheese are optional but add texture and flavor.
- Adjust honey in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- This salad is best served fresh, but leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and omit feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the salad)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: summer salad, chicken salad, berry salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy lunch, grilled chicken, fresh berries
